UOC releases guide on nutrition for women at every life stage

The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) has published a comprehensive guide on adapting women’s diets to each stage of life, from puberty through menopause. The guide stresses a balanced, varied diet rich in fresh, minimally processed foods and the Mediterranean dietary pattern.

For adolescents, experts Cristina Jardí and Marta Massip Salcedo recommend focusing on iron, calcium and vitamin D, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and avoiding sugary drinks, energy drinks and ultra‑processed foods. In the fertile years, Mireia Obón highlights the importance of iron, calcium, vitamin D, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein while limiting trans‑fat intake. Similar principles are applied to pregnancy, lactation and menopause, with adjustments to meet changing hormonal and metabolic needs.

The guide presents nutrition as a tool to support health across the lifespan rather than a rigid set of rules.